GPS & chart plotting sync w/notebook PC

patrscoe · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2011

I recently purchased a new Garmin 526 GPS.

I would like a chart plotter on my notebook computer for planning at home and and within my cabin of our sailboat, and have these two link/sync up either by a SD card (Garmin appears top have a slot for one) or direct wiring.

I have looked into a few chart plotters that you can download on your computer but not sure if they will sync up or even what their capabilities are.

Is there a specific software package with charts that I can download on my computer and have it sync with my GPS? (i.e. waypoints and planning)

Any direction or recommended software?

PaulinVictoria · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2011

OpenCPN can send waypoints/routes to my Garmin 72h, no idea if Garmin use a standard across their products though.

LinekinBayCD · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2011

Garmin has two programs for planning purposes, Mapsource which I use and which comes with some of their charts on CD / DVD versions of charts and Home Port which I have not used. I have a variety of Garmin chartploter / handheld units (3006c, 478 and Oregon 400c) and keep all my waypoints and routes consistent between the units using Mapsource. I believe that Home Port allows you to display charts from certain preloaded units and data cards and download upload waypoints and routes.

patrscoe · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

I have a Garmin 536s. Per website, this Garmin unit will not work with OpenCPN and I have the inland map package (sail on the Chesapeake Bay) and they also stated that the inland map SD graphic card will not work with Homeport.
I don't want to but I may have to return the unit and perhaps getting a similar model through Raymarine as it seems to have more software capability options.

RhythmDoctor · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

By worrying about this concept of "syncing," you're making it much more complicated than it is. What is a route or a track? It's nothing more than a list of coordinates, maybe with some time stamp and speed information.

If you want to plot routes on a PC, you can use any program to do it. It's a good idea to make sure your charts use the same datum and projection as the GPS. I really like SeaClear for this, because it uses NOAA's free downloadable charts and it's really easy to move from one chart to another by double clicking on the margin. I also get extra confidence by using NOAA's genuine charts to plot routes, since it's a double check against possible errors in Garmin's charts.

Once you've saved the route on your PC you just need to convert it to .gpx format and transfer it into the GPS or chartplotter. For this, I use g7towin and MapSource. The former is freeware; the latter can be downloaded for free from Garmin's website as an update. There are well documented tricks to get the update to install a fresh copy. Just Google it.

If you want to export tracks from the GPS or chartplotter, just reverse the direction with the same software.

Although I prefer SeaClear for plotting routes at home, I also use OpenCPN for real-time chartplotting in my cockpit. All the tricks for transferring routes and track also work for OpenCPN.

I would not go and return a chartplotter because Garmin's website doesn't say it will work. I suspect you can get it to work if you try. It may just be that Garmin has lousy documentation. I'd suggest trying it first, and then "vote with your wallet" if you're not happy with the result.

rikhall · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

We have a Garmin 440x and I use FUGAWI and POLAR Navy programs on my Netbook. Both are able to export a route file. Here is my personal (as in, it works for me - may not work for you) cheat sheet so I remember what to do:

Open FUGAWI
Choose and open route
Export as GPS Exchange format - GPX
New screen - click OK
Open GPS Utility
Open saved route (must be GPX format - you will see waypoints)
Save Garmin (ADM) - it will change the name to UserData.ADM
use the card to transfer to teh Garmin.

If this helps at all - super. If not - hit delete.

Rik

FDR14127 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011

I use PolarNavy software, openCPN, and SeaClear II running under wine on various Linux laptops. The key is the gpsd driver which you can google to see if it likes your Garmin model. I use the free NOAA charts which come in two flavors, ENC and Raster. All works fine on an old surplus laptop...

peoples1234 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2011

another vote for Seaclear II